Leak detection in a cable assembly

ABSTRACT

A cable assembly includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The cable has an electric conductor and a cooling conduit, each of which extends from the first end to the second end. The cooling conduit is adapted to convey a fluid that cools the electric conductor. The cable assembly includes a leak detection module to detect a leak of the fluid from the cooling conduit. The leak detection module includes a power source to generate an input voltage signal which is applied at a first node contact with the fluid. The leak detection module includes a controller to monitor an output voltage signal at the first node and to detect a leak of the fluid from the cooling conduit based on the output voltage signal.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. Thisapplication claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/936,254, filed Nov. 15, 2019 and entitled “LEAKDETECTION IN A CABLE ASSEMBLY,” which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The advancement of electric vehicles has created an increased need forcharging equipment that delivers electric power to rechargeablebatteries of the vehicles. Some such applications, such as high current,fast-charging vehicle chargers, are designed to work with continuouscurrents of 350 amps or more. To transfer energy more quickly anddecrease charging times, the cable assembly (including cable andcharging connector) should be capable of withstanding high currentloads. Generally, the higher the current flow that passes through thecharging equipment, the more heat is generated.

To mitigate the problem of excessive heat generation, the cross sectionof the current carrying conductor may be increased to reduce loss.However, such an increase in cross section requires an increased cablecross section, which makes the cable difficult to handle. Alternatively,the cable assembly may include a cooling conduit disposed near theconductors. The cooling conduit may carry a coolant fluid that can takeaway some or all of the heat generated in the conductors. However, thepresence of the coolant fluid in the cable assembly poses new problems.For example, the coolant fluid may leak from the cooling conduit and maycome in contact with electrical conductors, or a shield of the cableassembly. This may result in damage to the cable as well as to thecharging equipment and the vehicle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a cable assembly. In one embodiment,the cable assembly includes a cable having a first end and a second end.The cable has electric conductors and cooling conduits, each of whichextends from the first end to the second end of the cable. The coolingconduit is adapted to convey a fluid that cools the electric conductor.In this embodiment, the cable assembly includes a leak detection moduleto detect a fluid leak from the cooling conduit. The leak detectionmodule may include a power source to generate an input voltage signalwhich is applied at a first node that contacts with the fluid. The leakdetection module includes a controller to monitor an output voltagesignal at the nodes and to detect a leak of the fluid from the coolingconduit based on changes detected from the output voltage signal.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a cable assembly having afluid-cooled cable is provided. The cable has a first end and a secondend. The cable includes one or more electric conductors and a coolingconduit, each of which extends from the first end to the second end. Thecooling conduit is adapted to convey a fluid that cools the electricconductor. The cable assembly includes a connector attached to thesecond end of the cable. The cooling conduit forms a fluid channelaround inside a handle of the connector and is adapted to cool theconnector. The cable assembly includes a leak detection module coupledto the cable and the connector. The leak detection module includes apower source to generate an input voltage signal wherein the inputvoltage signal is applied at a first node that contacts with the fluid.The leak detection module includes a controller to monitor an outputvoltage signal at the first node and to detect a leak of the fluid fromthe cooling conduit based on detected changes to the output voltagesignal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary connector and cable as part of a cableassembly, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a leak detection modulefor the cable assembly, according to certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary voltage waveforms at various nodes of theleak detection module, according to certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary cross section of the cable assembly,according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the connector, according tocertain embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are bestunderstood by referring to the detailed description that follows. Itshould be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identifylike elements illustrated in one or more of the figures, whereinshowings therein are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of thepresent disclosure and not for purposes of limiting it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of embodiments presents variousdescriptions of specific embodiments of the invention. However, theinvention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways. In thisdescription, reference is made to the drawings where like referencenumerals may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Itwill be understood that elements illustrated in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, it will be understood that certainembodiments can include more elements than illustrated in a drawingand/or a subset of the elements illustrated in a drawing. Further, someembodiments can incorporate any suitable combination of features fromtwo or more drawings.

Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosurerelate to cable assemblies including leak detection modules.Illustratively, a leak detection module may allow detection of a leak ofa coolant fluid in a cable assembly used for charging electric vehicles.Upon detecting the leak, the leak detection module may alert a user suchthat the user stops using the cable to charge the vehicle. In someconfigurations the leak detection module may automatically stop thepower supply connected to the cable assembly from providing power to thecable. Thus, leak detection may help in avoiding faults in cableassemblies that may arise due to contact between coolant fluid and theelectrical conductors and increase the safety of using such cableassemblies. Although various aspects of the cable assembly are describedin an environment of charging of electric or hybrid vehicles, the cableassembly may also be used in any other application area which may allowuse of such a fluid-cooled cable.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a charger assembly 100 having a cable102 that runs laterally through the assembly 100. The cable 102 may haveat least one electrical conductor 104 that is configured fortransferring electric power. In some embodiments, the cable 102 mayterminate in a connector tip 106 that is connected to a connectorhousing 108 (part of which is here removed for visibility). Theconnector tip 106 may be designed to be compatible with a power inletand may therefore be configured according to one or more standards forelectric connectors. The cable 102 may form the connection between theconnector tip 106 and a power supply (e.g., a generator or an electricgrid). The cable 102 may have a first end and a second end such that thefirst end of the cable 102 is coupled to the power supply and the secondend is coupled to the connector tip 106. In some embodiments, theconnector tip 106 and the connector housing 108 may be manufactured as asingle piece. In other embodiments, the connector tip 106 and connectorhousing 108 may be manufactured as separate pieces.

A handle (not shown) may partially, or fully, enclose the connector tip106 and/or the connector housing 108. The handle may also partiallyenclose the cable 102. The handle may be designed to be held by aperson, such as when inserting the connector tip 106 into the powerinlet, and when removing the connector tip 106 from the power inlet.

In certain embodiments, the charger assembly 100 may be used forcharging an electric vehicle or a hybrid-electric vehicle. The electricvehicle may include an electric powertrain (not shown) for propellingthe vehicle over a ground surface. The electric vehicle may include anenergy storage device (not shown) for supplying energy to electricpowertrain for propelling the electric vehicle. The energy storagedevice may be a collection of one or more battery cells. In someembodiments, the energy storage device may be any other energy storagemeans which may be suitable for application with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The electric vehicle may include a charging inletconfigured to receive the connector tip 106 in an inlet or receptaclefor charging the energy storage device. The charging inlet may beinternally connected to an energy storage device such that electricalenergy may be supplied through the charging inlet to the energy storagedevice. In some embodiments, the charging inlet may interlock with theconnector tip 106 such that the cable 102 may be secured without supportfrom a person.

The cable 102 may include a cooling conduit 110. The cooling conduit 110may serve to convey a fluid (e.g., a coolant) along the length of theconductor 104 so as to remove some or all of the heat generated by theflow of electrical energy within the conductor 104. Examples of suchfluids or other heat transfer mediums may include, but are not limitedto, water, air, oil, phase-changing materials, and other chemicals. Forexample, a non-degrading fluid can be chosen that has sufficient heatcapacity to cool the conductor 104. The material for the cooling conduit110 may be chosen based on its thermal conductivity, flexibility, anddurability.

In some embodiments, the cooling conduit 110 may begin at the first endof the cable 102 at or near the power supply, and double back at or nearthe connector tip 106 to return to the first end of the cable 102. Insuch embodiments, the cooling conduit 110 may be a single tube such thatthe fluid travels along the same path in both directions. The fluid maybe pumped from the first end of the cable 102 toward the connector tip106, stored in an internal receptable at or near the connector tip 106until all the fluid is in the receptable, then pumped back from theconnector tip 106 toward the first end of the cable 102. In otherembodiments, the cooling conduit 110 may have a U-turn at or near theconnector tip 106 to reverse the flow direction of the fluid. With thisand similar implementations, the cooling conduit 110 can providecontinuous, circulating cooling along essentially the entire length ofthe cable 102 and within the connector tip 106. As such, the fluid canbe returned to a system that provides the fluid, such as a reservoir ofa cooling system. The path of the fluid may thus be circular, flowing onone side of the cable 102 toward the connector tip 106 and flowing on adifferent side of the cable 102 toward the reservoir. In certainembodiments, the U-turn can occur outside of the connector tip 106. Forexample, in an implementation where the fluid is fed into an electricvehicle during charging so as to provide cooling during the chargingoperation, the fluid can come out of the vehicle through the sameconnector tip 106 via the U-turn. In other implementations, a one-wayflow of the fluid can be provided. For example, the connector tip 106that attaches to the charging inlet of the electric vehicle (or otherequipment) can also have a fluid inlet that is coupled to a fluidreservoir of the vehicle. As such, this arrangement may be used toreplenish fluid in the fluid reservoir of the vehicle. In otherembodiments, the fluid may flow from the cable 102 into the vehicle, andthen return back from the vehicle to the beginning of the cable.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a leak detection system of a cableassembly 200, according to certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The cable assembly 200 may include a cable 202 having acooling conduit 204 (shown in cross section). The cable 202 may becovered by a shield 206 which is connected to ground. The cable assembly200 may include an electronic leak detection module 208 that isprogrammed and configured to detect a leak of the fluid from the coolingconduit 204. The leak detection module 208 may monitor changes in one ormore electrical properties of the fluid circulating in the coolingconduit 204 to detect the leak. For example, changes in fluid electricalproperties may occur if the leaked fluid comes into contact with a lowvoltage source (e.g., ground conductor or the shield 206) or a highvoltage source (e.g., high voltage conductor).

With continued reference to FIG. 2 , the leak detection module 208 mayinclude a power source 210 that generates an input voltage signal to beapplied to the fluid. In some embodiments, the power source 210 maygenerate an alternating current (AC) voltage signal that alternatesbetween a maximum voltage (Vcc) and a minimum voltage (Vss). In otherembodiments, the power source 210 may generate a direct current (DC)voltage signal of a predefined voltage. The input voltage signal may beapplied to the fluid through a resistance R1 as shown in FIG. 2 . Insome embodiments, resistance R1 may be an impedance from a resistor. Inother embodiments, resistance R1 may be an impedance from otherelectrical components. For monitoring the electrical properties of thefluid, one or more monitor nodes 212, 214 may be defined atpredetermined locations within the cooling conduit 204. The one or moremonitor nodes 212, 214 may be in contact with the fluid and polarize thefluid when the input voltage signal is applied to the nodes 212, 214.Use of two nodes, as opposed to only a single monitoring node, mayimprove redundancy and provide greater contact to polarize the fluid.However, it should be realized that only one node may be used within thescope of the present invention, and that two nodes are not required tomonitor the electrical properties of the fluid. Locations of the monitornodes 212, 214 may be selected so as to create an optimal geometry formonitoring the electrical properties of the fluid while minimizing thedistance between the nodes 212, 214. In some embodiments, only one ofthe monitor nodes 212, 214 may be used to polarize the fluid and monitorthe electrical properties of the fluid.

A test node 216 (shown in FIG. 2 ) may be provided in some embodimentsto simulate a leak of the fluid via a resistance R2. In someembodiments, resistance R2 may be an impedance from a resistor. In otherembodiments, resistance R2 may be an impedance from other electricalcomponents. The resistance R2 may be connected to one or more switches218, 220 that allow the resistance R2 to alternate connection betweenthe leak detection module 208 and ground. As detailed herein, changingthe resistance R2 connections may cause the leak detection module 208 toalternate between a self-check mode and a normal operation mode.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the leak detection module 208 may include a buffer222 connected with the monitor nodes 212, 214 and ground. The buffer 222may monitor the output voltage signal at the nodes 212, 214. Theimpedance of the fluid may act as a voltage divider between the powersource 210 and ground.

The leak detection module 208 may include a controller 224 to detect aleak of the fluid from the cooling conduit 204. The controller 224 mayreceive the input voltage signal from the power source 210. Further, thecontroller 224 may receive the output voltage signal from the buffer222. In some embodiments, the buffer 222 may be implemented within thecontroller 224. The controller 224 may determine a voltage associatedwith the output voltage signal, such as a peak-to-peak output voltage ora maximum output voltage. To detect the leak, the controller 224 maymonitor decay of the output voltage, the peak-to-peak output voltage, orthe maximum output voltage of the output voltage signal. In someembodiments, the controller 224 may repeatedly compute changes in theamplitude of the output voltage signal by computing a difference betweenthe amplitudes measured after a fixed time interval (e.g., 5 seconds).The controller 224 may identify a leak when the measured amplitude(e.g., peak-to-peak output voltage or the maximum output voltage) dropsby more than a predetermined threshold voltage drop. In one embodiment,the threshold value may be chosen sufficiently high such that smallvariations in the peak-to-peak voltage or the maximum voltage are notdetected as a leak of the fluid.

The controller 224 may generate an indication of the leak for a user oran operator of the cable assembly 200. The indication may be a visualindication, an audio indication, or a tactile indication. Upon receivingthe indication, the user may stop the transfer of electrical powerthrough the cable assembly 200 to avoid any faults and minimize theassociated risks. In some embodiments, the controller 224 mayautomatically take an action (e.g., stop the charging of the electricvehicle) upon detecting the leak.

In some embodiments, the leak detection module 208 may operate in one ofa self-check mode and a normal operation mode. As shown in FIG. 2 ,switches 218, 220 may be provided to switch between the self-check modeand the normal operation mode by changing the connections of theresistance R2. In the self-check mode of operation, the controller 224may open the switch 218 connecting the resistance R2 to the leakdetection module 208 and close the switch 220 connecting the resistanceR2 to ground. Thus, the test node 216 may be connected to ground via theresistance R2 to simulate a leak that causes the fluid to come intocontact with the shield 206. Specifically, the resistance R2 may be inseries with the impedance of the fluid, resulting in increased impedanceperceived by the buffer 222. Due to the increased impedance, theamplitude of the output voltage signal may decrease as compared to theamplitude in the normal operation mode. In another embodiment, thesystem may perform a self-check by closing both switches 218, 220. Inthis embodiment, the input of the buffer may be connected to ground andmay allow the system to validate that the switches 218, 220 arefunctioning properly.

In the normal operation mode, the controller 224 may close the switch218 connecting the resistance R2 to the leak detection module 208 andopen the switch 220 connecting the resistance R2 to ground. In thenormal operation mode, and when there is no leak of the fluid, theresistance R2 may be connected in parallel with the impedance of thefluid and no substantial change in the impedance may be perceived by thebuffer 222. Thus, the peak-to-peak voltage or the maximum voltageassociated with the output voltage signal may maintain a substantiallyconstant level. The test node 216 may be removed from the cable assembly200 by opening both switches 218, 220.

FIG. 3 illustrates the voltage signal waveforms in an example embodimentof the present disclosure. Waveform 302 depicts the input voltage signalgenerated by the power source 210. The waveform 302 may alternatebetween a maximum voltage (Vcc) and a minimum voltage (Vss). Waveform304 shows the output voltage signal at the monitor nodes 212, 214 in thenormal operation mode of the leak detection module 208 when there is noleak of the fluid. Waveform 306 shows the output voltage signal at themonitor nodes 212, 214 in the case of a leak. As described herein, theamplitude of the output voltage in a leak scenario may be smaller thanthe amplitude of the output voltage in a non-leak scenario. The leakdetection module 208 may identify a leak when the measured amplitudedrops by more than a predetermined threshold voltage drop. The thresholdvalue may be chosen sufficiently high such that small variations in thepeak-to-peak voltage are not detected as a leak of the fluid.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of a cable assembly400 showing multiple sets of conductors 402, 404 and the cooling conduit110 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Thecable assembly 400 may include high voltage conductors 402, low voltageconductors 404, and the cooling conduit 110, inside a shield 206.

The high voltage conductors 402 and the low voltage conductors 404 canhave one or more insulating materials surrounding the outside of each toprovide electric insulation. The cooling conduit 110 may have one ormore channels inside to allow the fluid to flow in at least onedirection. Generally, the cooling provided by the cooling conduit 110may allow the cable 102 to be made with a smaller diameter of the outerjacket 406 than otherwise. Further, the cable assembly 400 may containground conductors 408 and one or more additional members, such as signalcables and/or filler material. The cable components are shown with acertain separation from each other for clarity, with the understandingthat the components could completely fill the interior of the outerjacket 406 in some implementations.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the cooling conduit 110 may be placed close to theconductors 402, 404. Accordingly, the cooling conduit 110 may providecooling to each of the conductors 402, 404.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the leak detection module 208 resident withinthe connector 500. The leak detection module 208 may include a PrintedCircuit Board Assembly (PCBA) 502 that is thermally coupled to the highvoltage socket 508. In certain embodiments, the PCBA 502 is a two-partstructure. A first part 504 of the PCBA may be coupled to the highvoltage socket 508 such that the first part 504 of the PCBA sits on topof electrical sockets of the high voltage socket 508. A second part 506of the PCBA may be connected to the first part 504 of the PCBA through arigid-flex PCB construction, or other similar interconnects. The secondpart 506 of the PCBA may house auxiliary components, such as, but notlimited to, thermistors for temperature sensing applications. Thetwo-part structure of the PCBA 502 allows for more efficient routing ofelectrical wires to each high voltage socket 508. The PCBA 502 mayinclude the various components of the leak detection module 208, such asthe power source 210, the buffer 222, and the controller 224. In certainembodiments, the PCBA 502 may include one or more temperature sensors(not shown) for collecting temperature data associated with the cableassembly 200. In some embodiments, wings 510 may be present around themanifold. The wings 510 may be made of a conductive material and serveas increased ground connection area to detect leaks. The wings 510 maybe part of the PCBA 502 but need not be. The location of the wings 510may be selected based at least in part on where coolant is most likelyto leak from or pool in a faulty charger assembly.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosureto the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, itis contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modificationsto the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or impliedherein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus describedembodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the presentdisclosure is limited only by the claims.

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the artwill appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified orotherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is tobe considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching thoseskilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments ofthe disclosed cable assembly. It is to be understood that the forms ofdisclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representativeembodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may besubstituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein.Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilizedindependently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent toone skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description ofthe disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”,“incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe andclaim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in anon-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elementsnot explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singularis also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in theillustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed aslimiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g.,attached, affixed, coupled, connected, and the like) are only used toaid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may notcreate limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or useof the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinderreferences, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinderreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are directlyconnected to each other.

Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”,“second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinaryand/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, toassist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments,variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may notcreate any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, ofany element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, orover, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated orintegrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certaincases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application.Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should beconsidered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically specified.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable assembly comprising: a cable having afirst end and a second end, the cable comprising an electric conductorand a cooling conduit, each of which extends from the first end to thesecond end, wherein the cooling conduit is adapted to convey a fluidthat cools the electric conductor; and a leak detection module coupledto the cable, the leak detection module comprising: a power source togenerate an input voltage signal wherein the input voltage signal isapplied to the fluid at a first node in contact with the fluid; and acontroller configured to monitor an output voltage signal and to detecta leak of the fluid from the cooling conduit based on the output voltagesignal.
 2. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid iselectrically conductive.
 3. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thecooling conduit is configured to convey the fluid from the first end tothe second end, and thereafter from the second end to the first end. 4.The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the input voltage signal is analternating current (AC) voltage signal.
 5. The cable assembly of claim1, wherein the input voltage signal is further applied at a second nodein contact with the fluid.
 6. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thecontroller detects the leak of the fluid when a peak-to-peak voltage ofthe output voltage signal drops more than a predetermined thresholdvoltage drop value.
 7. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein thecontroller detects the leak of the fluid when a maximum voltage of theoutput voltage signal drops more than a predetermined threshold maximumvoltage value.
 8. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the controllerfurther provides, upon detecting the leak of the fluid, at least one of:a visual indication, an audio indication, or a tactile indication. 9.The cable assembly of claim 1 further comprising a connector attached tothe second end of the cable, wherein the cooling conduit forms a fluidchannel around an interior of a handle of the connector.
 10. The cableassembly of claim 1, wherein the cable assembly is used for charging anelectric vehicle from a power supply.
 11. The cable assembly of claim10, wherein the controller, upon detecting the leak of the fluid,automatically stops charging of the electric vehicle.
 12. A cableassembly comprising: a cable having a first end and a second end, thecable comprising an electric conductor and a cooling conduit, each ofwhich extends from the first end to the second end, wherein the coolingconduit is adapted to convey a fluid that cools the electric conductor;and a connector attached to the second end of the cable, wherein thecooling conduit forms a fluid channel around an interior of a handle ofthe connector and is adapted to cool the connector; and a leak detectionmodule coupled to the cable and the connector, the leak detection modulecomprising: a power source to generate an input voltage signal whereinthe input voltage signal is applied to the fluid at a first node incontact with the fluid; and a controller configured to monitor an outputvoltage signal and to detect a leak of the fluid from the coolingconduit based on the output voltage signal.
 13. The cable assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the cable assembly is used for charging an electricvehicle from a power supply.
 14. The cable assembly of claim 13, whereinthe controller, upon detecting the leak of the fluid, automaticallystops charging of the electric vehicle.
 15. The cable assembly of claim12, further comprising switches connected to a second node, wherein thesecond node is in contact with the fluid and wherein the switches areconfigurable to simulate the leak of the fluid.
 16. The cable assemblyof claim 12, wherein the fluid is electrically conductive.
 17. The cableassembly of claim 12, wherein the cooling conduit is configured toconvey the fluid from the first end to the second end, and thereafterfrom the second end to the first end.
 18. The cable assembly of claim12, wherein the controller further provides, upon detecting the leak ofthe fluid, at least one of: a visual indication, an audio indication, ora tactile indication.
 19. The cable assembly of claim 12, wherein thecontroller detects the leak of the fluid when a peak-to-peak voltage ofthe output voltage signal drops more than a predetermined thresholdvoltage drop value.
 20. The cable assembly of claim 12, wherein thecontroller detects the leak of the fluid when a maximum voltage of theoutput voltage signal drops more than a predetermined threshold maximumvoltage value.
 21. A cable assembly comprising: a cable having a firstend and a second end, the cable comprising an electric conductor and acooling conduit, each of which extends from the first end to the secondend, wherein the cooling conduit is adapted to convey a fluid that coolsthe electric conductor; and a leak detection module coupled to thecable, the leak detection module comprising: a power source to generatean input voltage signal wherein the input voltage signal is applied tothe fluid at a first node in contact with the fluid; and a controllerconfigured to monitor an output voltage signal and to characterize aleak of the fluid from the cooling conduit based on the output voltagesignal based on a comparison of the monitored output voltage signal withtwo representative output voltage values, a first representative outputvoltage value associated with a fluid leak and a second representativeoutput voltage value not associated with a fluid leak.
 22. The cableassembly of claim 21, wherein the fluid is electrically conductive. 23.The cable assembly of claim 21, wherein the cable assembly is used forcharging an electric vehicle from a power supply.